Heirs of a Charism (April 15-21, 2019)

Each year, the Verbum Dei disciples are called to have a longer retreat, or “spiritual exercises.” Number 111 of the “Identity and Mission of the Verbum Dei Missionary Family” states “Our spiritual growth making at least one silent retreat or spiritual exercises a year, as a privileged moment of encounter with the Lord, through the Word and the living out of our project of life.” During April 15-21, a group of missionary disciples from Cebu and Cagayan de Oro gathered in St Francis Seraph retreat house, Talisay, Cebu for their spiritual exercise entitled “As Heirs of a Charism, Guard the Good Treasure entrusted to you” (cf. 2Tim1: 14).

​Here is the sharing of Flor, one of the participants …

Jesus, My Confidant ​

How beautiful it is to have someone to whom we can truly bare ourselves, being vulnerable, and receive full acceptance with love, guidance, and friendship. That sums up my profound experience during the Disciples Spiritual Exercises in St Francis Seraph retreat house in Talisay Cebu this Lenten season. Indeed, the yearly spiritual exercise always brings newness in my intimate relationship with Jesus, which constantly supports my journey as a disciple.

I am grateful to have received abundant nourishment through the prayer guidelines that filled the hunger of my spirit for the wisdom to understand things beyond the limited capacity of my intellect. I enjoyed the longer times of prayer in silence as a pleasant moment to be in casual conversation with Jesus. It was also a time to pay close attention to how he addressed all my issues with a loving concern of a father, brother, and a friend. It was wonderful to recognize that his words gave clarity to my confusion and guidance in many difficult decisions I have to make in life. How amazing that all my questions were answered!
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As soon as I sat to receive the first guideline, Jesus was direct in reminding me of my prophetic task, as the title said “From the encounter of the Word, prophets are born.” Jesus expressed his need for conscious baptized Christians like us, to be active messengers of His love, mercy and hope to a world clouded with much noise and restlessness. As heirs of the charism of the word, Jesus trusts our lives to be rich channels by which his love can reach many people.  I pray for all of us who receive his message to have the courage to obey it and of course, to share it!

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With thanks to Flor Dacudao and the WordNews team